KINGSTON, Jamaica — The documentary ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’ has been selected for the gala screening at the upcoming Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival in September.
The film celebrates the life and legacy of Jamaican dancehall pioneer, Sister Nancy, whose 1982 hit ‘Bam Bam’ has become one of the most sampled reggae tracks of all time.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Alison Duke, ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’ combines electrifying live performances with candid interviews featuring cultural icons such as Janelle Monáe, Young Guru, and Pete Rock.
The documentary also delves into rare archival footage of the early dancehall era, providing a powerful and comprehensive portrait of Sister Nancy’s influence in both reggae and hip hop.
Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, Mariel Brown, said the selection of ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’ for the gala was an easy choice.
“We want to celebrate the Caribbean in all its many forms and the song is such an anthem of the region. You play it anywhere in the Caribbean and people will know it, recognise it and feel it,” she said.
“The film helps us to know more about Sister Nancy, the creator – her life and her determination as a woman on the mike. It reveals what we have always known to be true, that Caribbean women have tenacity, strength and in the case of Sister Nancy, talent that transcends borders and time; we could not be happier to be showing, ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’,” she said.
Director Alison Duke expressed her excitement at the selection, saying it was an honour to bring ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’ to the Trinidad and Tobago film Festival.
Produced under the OYA Media Group banner by Duke and Ngardy Conteh George, the documentary has already made waves internationally, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival. It continues to resonate with diverse audiences, from reggae and hip-hop fans to gamers and music lovers worldwide, underscoring the timeless appeal of Sister Nancy’s artistry.
Duke, a Canadian Screen Award-winning director, is celebrated for her distinctive storytelling in documentaries such as ‘Mr. Jane and Finch’ and ‘Cool Black North’. She has built a career championing under-represented voices and was recently honoured with the 2024 Hot Docs Don Haig Award.
Brown said that in addition to the screening, Duke will also be teaching a masterclass in making the documentary.
“We hope this masterclass will encourage our filmmakers to explore more stories of the musical genius and creative output of the Caribbean,” said Brown.
She said the gala screening promises to be one of the festival’s memorable events, pairing the inspirational story of a reggae icon with an afterparty that celebrates Caribbean music and culture.
The gala screening and afterparty will take place on Thursday, September 25, at IMAX in Woodbrook, Port of Spain. Tickets are now available via Island E-Tickets at islandetickets.com.
